Sealcoating is an investment in your property that protects the asphalt from water and chemicals that cause damage, and oxidation and deterioration. It also gives the pavement a deep black finish and beautifies your parking lot or driveway.
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A seal coat is comprised of varying amounts of emulsified asphalt, silica sand and fillers and polymer additives. There are leveling and flow additives as well, which help the asphalt emulsion spread evenly and eliminate surface flaws. Connect with Rochester NY Sealcoating for reliable help.
Asphalt is a very durable material, but when it’s left unprotected, it can easily degrade over time. This is why it’s important to apply a sealcoat to your pavement every few years. This protects the surface from UV rays, rain, and chemicals. It also keeps cracks from growing larger and makes your blacktop look like new.
Having a smooth, well-maintained asphalt surface is extremely important for your business. A lot of people are turned off by a parking lot that is full of potholes and cracks. This may cause them to avoid coming to your establishment, which can be a huge loss for you.
In addition to the negative impact on your sales, these cracks and holes are dangerous for cars. If someone hits a bump in your road or driveway, their vehicle can become stuck or even roll over. It’s best to prevent these issues from arising by having your asphalt sealed with a professional every few years.
When you sealcoat your pavement, it creates a barrier to all of these damaging elements. The seal coat absorbs into the asphalt, restoring its deep, shiny black color and replenishing any oils that have broken down or dried up. This helps to prevent damage caused by sun, water, oil, and road salt, which can eventually lead to oxidation.
Pavement is composed of a mix of rock and stone aggregate held together with a petroleum-based binder. Over time, oxidation causes the binder to deteriorate. Motor oil and gasoline leaks also contribute to this process by contaminating the asphalt. This deterioration can turn into unsightly and dangerous potholes in the future. Seal coating your asphalt stops this from happening by blocking the oxidizing substances and keeping the binder pliable and flexible for a longer period of time.
A professional asphalt sealcoater will have the right foam control agents to reduce the amount of bubbles that are produced during the application process. These agents will ensure that your sealcoat is evenly applied to the entire surface without creating any lumps or uneven spots. This is extremely important in order to get the most out of your investment and to keep your asphalt looking its best for a long time.
Prevents Stains
When oil and other fluids seep into paved surfaces like parking lots and driveways, they quickly start to degrade asphalt. If left untreated, the spills will eventually oxidize and form ugly and difficult to remove stains. Sealcoating protects pavement from these types of stains and the damage that they cause.
When it’s applied correctly, a sealcoat acts as a protective layer that blocks out water, oil, and U.V. damage, while also beautifying the property’s curb appeal. This is accomplished through a process called “sealing,” and can be done by brush, spray or squeegee. When done right, a sealcoat can extend the life of your asphalt by several years, saving you money on costly repairs and resurfacing projects in the future.
Asphalt pavement deteriorates over time, particularly when it’s exposed to sunlight and other weather conditions. This deterioration, known as oxidation, can lead to the development of alligator cracks and other serious problems that require expensive repair. A sealcoat helps to slow this deterioration by protecting the surface from the elements, and it also replenishes the asphalt binder and oils that have been degraded through oxidation.
As an added benefit, a sealcoat prevents sun bleaching and other unsightly fading in your driveway or parking lot. The faded color can make your business look unprofessional and detract from your property’s value, so a regularly scheduled sealcoating session will help keep your asphalt looking new and fresh.
Unsealed asphalt can be damaged by water that seeps into small cracks and then freezes. The resulting ice damage can spread the cracks and lead to severe damage that requires expensive repair and resurfacing. Seal coating stops this from happening by sealing in the cracks and creating a durable barrier that prevents moisture from damaging the asphalt.
A sprayed or liquid-based sealcoat contains a blend of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers and water. It’s then applied to the pavement via a broom, power sprayed or squeegee. Once dry, the sealcoat protects the pavement and creates a smooth, black surface that enhances curb appeal. A well-maintained driveway or parking lot with a sealcoat can last for decades and save you thousands of dollars in repair costs down the line.
Prevents Damage
Asphalt is a petroleum-based material that is very soft and susceptible to damage. Whenever oil and gas leak from vehicles, they not only stain the surface but also weaken the asphalt underneath. This can cause asphalt to crack and crumble, which is costly and disruptive to your business. Sealcoating helps prevent this from happening by blocking the liquids from seeping into your asphalt and softening it.
It also protects the asphalt from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can break down and fade the material. This allows the asphalt to retain its rich black color and makes it more appealing. In addition, the smooth surface reduces tripping hazards and improves visibility for drivers.
The material used for sealcoating is environmentally responsible and made from recycled materials. As such, it is a green choice for your commercial property. Furthermore, a well-maintained pavement will last longer and require less repairs or replacements.
While it’s important to note that sealcoating doesn’t completely prevent cracking and other forms of damage, it does significantly slow down the deterioration of your asphalt. Regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting asphalt driveway or parking lot, and seal coating is an excellent way to extend its lifespan.
Asphalt surfaces can be damaged by water, oil, chemicals, and even sunlight. These damaging substances can enter the small cracks in your asphalt and erode the base beneath, which causes the surface to weaken and crack. Sealcoating helps to block these harmful materials, keeping the asphalt strong and flexible enough to withstand pressure from vehicular traffic.
Sealcoating also blocks the oxidizing effects of sunlight and air, which can wear down the asphalt binder and cause it to become brittle. This is known as oxidation, and it’s an extremely common problem with asphalt. However, a properly applied sealcoat can help to keep the oxidation process at bay for a much longer period of time.
The additives used for sealcoating can vary, but they often include carbon black, pigments, and flakes. These ingredients allow for a wide range of colors to be created in the sealcoat and enhance its weathering resistance. They can also include UV stabilizers, which help to slow down the degradation of the asphalt caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Prevents Oxidation
Asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as it’s constructed, thanks to the air and the sun’s UV rays. The deterioration is called “oxidation,” and it makes your pavement brittle, causing cracks to form more easily and quickly and enabling other types of damage. While you can’t stop oxidation altogether, timely sealcoating slows it down considerably.
When you choose to have your asphalt sealed, the process typically involves cleaning the entire surface and repairing any existing cracks. Next, the contractor will apply a primer to ensure that the sealcoat will adhere properly. Once that step is complete, the actual sealcoat will be applied using a squeegee machine or a spray application method. It will contain additives such as carbon black and various dyes or pigments, which are mixed with the asphalt emulsion to create custom colors for your sealcoat. The additives are also designed to improve the durability of the asphalt.
Once the sealcoat is dry, your paved surface will look like it does after a fresh coat of paint. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of increased longevity, which will keep you from having to replace your driveway or parking lot for a long time.
Water damage is a common problem for unprotected asphalt surfaces. It can cause the binders to weaken and the aggregates to erode. When this happens, the pavement is prone to large, unsightly cracks that can become potholes. Seal coating will seal these small fissures and prevent water from seeping in, which will prevent further deterioration and extend the life of your asphalt.
Aside from preventing oxidation, sealcoating helps prevent oil and gasoline leaks in asphalt driveways and parking lots. Since asphalt is a petroleum-based material, it is susceptible to the same chemical damage as motor oil and gas leaks. Sealcoating protects your asphalt from these contaminates by creating a barrier that keeps them from interacting with the underlying binder.
If you’re thinking about having your asphalt driveway or parking lot sealcoated, now is the perfect time to do so. The ground should be warm enough for the sealer to set up without sagging or shattering. It’s important to avoid sealing your asphalt during the winter and in colder weather, as the temperatures below freezing can cause the sealer to fail or even shatter.